Since today is my last day of 2013 at my day job, I thought it would be appropriate to share this year’s Christmas card. Since getting married, each year we have sent a “Happy Holidays” card…. and this year, well…. I couldn’t do it. I am a Christian and make no bones about it, and I refused to do the PC thing again this year….. I celebrate the birth of Jesus, and hope you do too, so Merry Christmas!! 🙂 Since 2013 was majorly about the new house, I felt it was only appropriate to theme our card this year around that. *Image by Kristen Huntley I’ve still got quite a bit to blog from this year (including some weddings!) so don’t think I’m done posting for the year…. I’ll be back soon with more eye candy. We’ve also got two sessions left to photograph this month, and we’ll be sharing those too. Need a last minute Christmas gift? A portrait session makes a great stocking-stuffer! Just contact me to purchase it, and the recipient can set up the time and date after they receive it!

Like every year, I know camera’s are usually a popular Christmas gift. I know many of you may be in the middle of researching which DSLR to buy… and I want to give you a tiny piece of advice that will hopefully lead you to a better gift experience (and save you money!). Ready…. here it is. DO NOT under any circumstances buy a DSLR camera with a kit lens! This is the “standard” lens that Nikon & Canon put on their cheaper cameras and “bundle” them. If you are buying this for someone who knows anything about using a DSLR they will promptly take this lens and shove it in a drawer, closet or on to craigslist. This piece of plastic, is really worthless.  With Nikons it’s usually it’s a 18-55mm, or 50-200mm. Look…. Best Buy is trying to get you to buy both….. ugh. Instead, look for “body only” selections. This will get you just the body of the camera, but you’ll end up getting exactly what you need, and no crap. You’ll likely come out better in the end….. see below; Camera Lens This “bundle” would end up costing you about $150 more than what you would spend buying the body & lens separate. But ooooh…. it comes with a camera bag! and a memory card! That camera bag is U.G.L.Y. We have one at my day job and it’s tiny… holds nothing. Forget about getting a new lens, it won’t hold it…. and that memory card…. yeah, pick it up for $22 (or maybe cheaper). And PS: I don’t recommend this lens. Entry level DSLR’s are basically all the same (when it comes to photos… some have video too)…. so don’t get caught up on which body to get. My advice on picking a body is to physically hold them. I love the photos a Canon can produce, but man, the ergonomics of those bodies are awful to my hands. You might feel the same about Nikons. As for which lenses I do recommend; the 50mm 1.8 is a wonderful lens. It was the first one I bought.  It doesn’t zoom though (just with your feet!) Good zoom lenses will run you a lot more. Not sure what to get? Give the gift of renting! Most people don’t know you can rent all kinds of gear 🙂  Lens Rentals offers gift cards, a great way for your giftee to learn what lenses they love.   Hope I made someone’s holiday brighter 🙂  Want to gift a lesson on learning to use that DSLR? I offer private sessions! If you have any questions…. feel free to ask! Check out last year’s gift guide for the shutterbug!

I woke up smiling, sun-shining and happy! It’s NOVEMBER! That means it’s my birthday month (the 29th… which means you have nearly a month to find me the perfect present!!), and I get to enjoy all my pumpkins for a whole month longer 🙂 (although I am SO ready for Christmas!) I love walking in our door to be greeted by these fine & not-so-fine gourds on our table! And I get a little giddy each fall when I break out this table runner… it’s Pottery Barn and was used on the head table at our wedding. (the 3 metallic pumpkins I picked up at Michael’s last week for $1!) Today is also our niece, Emma Rae’s 4th birthday  & my sister & brother-in-law’s SEVENTEENTH wedding anniversary!!!

So, now that we have all come down from our sugar highs (or maybe you’ve had candy for breakfast and never came off the sugar high)…. let’s think about… err… Valentines Day? Perhaps this is the perfect incentive to not over eat all that leftover candy or maybe to hit the gym because you’ve already finished the leftover candy. Either way….. you should do this, it will be good for you! (trust me, not only physically, but mentally too!) I can say that with confidence, because I, myself have done TWO boudoir sessions 😉 So…. mark your calendars… January 4th 2014 Carolina Beach. Three “looks” of your choice. Champagne & munchies. Pro hair & makeup. Fun times. A custom album for your hunny for V-Day. Get gorgeous. Boatloads of self confidence.   …… all wonderful things! I’m only taking 3 spots, so get in now! Total cost: $645 per person, half due to book, remaining due at session.